The first years of life matter most.

What happens in those years shape a child’s capacity to learn, to work, and to love.

That, in a nutshell, is why Erikson exists. To make sure that children have what they need to make the most of those first years.

We are the nation’s premier graduate school in child development, and the only to focus on birth to age eight. We teach adults who work with, care for, act on behalf of, or touch the life of young children and help fulfill the promise of the first years of life.

Why study child development? Because the growth and change that occurs in early years is immense, amazingly complex, and critically important. To guide a child to his or her optimal potential, it’s essential to understand every aspect of that remarkable process

Why study at Erikson? Because our multidisciplinary, relationship-based approach works. We don’t prescribe any single answer or method or theory. Our comprehensive curriculum draws on the fields of psychology, neurobiology, anthropology, sociology, education, and more to understand the whole child. We teach how to listen to, learn from, and form a supportive relationship with a child. The Erikson approach respects and responds to the child’s family, culture, and community, so it’s the solution that always fits.

Why rely on Erikson knowledge? Because our applied research is deeply grounded in real world programs, issues, and solutions. We can give the people who decide our children’s future the perspectives they need to make the right decisions.

Why support Erikson? Because Erikson can make a difference. We already are; our students, alumni, and faculty touch the lives of more than a quarter-million children each year. With your help, we can do more.